Battles & Campaigns · 1391
Battle of the Kondurcha River
Kondurcha River, Russia
What happened
The army of Timur (Tamerlane) fought the Golden Horde under Khan Tokhtamysh. Timur had once helped Tokhtamysh become khan, but the two became enemies. After Tokhtamysh attacked Timur's lands, Timur pursued him far to the north. At the Kondurcha River, Tokhtamysh's horsemen tried to surround Timur's army, but it held, and a sudden attack sent the Horde fleeing.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first major battle of the war between Timur and Tokhtamysh. It was a heavy defeat for Tokhtamysh, though many of his troops escaped.
What came next
Tokhtamysh's surviving forces fought Timur again at the Terek River in 1395 and lost. Tokhtamysh lost his throne and died in 1406.
Did you know?
Tokhtamysh had earlier sacked Moscow in 1382.
Timeline
- 1378Timur helps Tokhtamysh take the White Horde throne.
- 1382Tokhtamysh besieges Moscow.
- 18 June 1391Timur wins at the Kondurcha River.
- 15-16 April 1395Timur wins again at the Terek.